The history of the gas engineer is an interesting one. From the days of coal gas and cast iron pipes to the cutting-edge technology of today, like CSST systems and flexible gas pipe solutions, the history of the gas engineer is quite a journey.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at how the role of the gas engineer has changed over the decades and explore how Flexigas is leading the charge in modernising gas pipe installations with safety, speed, and innovation.
The Early Days: Where It All Began
The history of the gas engineer begins in the early 19th century, during the age of the Industrial Revolution. Coal gas, often referred to as “town gas,” was first used to power street lighting in London in 1813. As gas usage expanded into homes for cooking and heating, so too did the need for skilled individuals to install and maintain gas systems. And the gas engineer was born.
In those early days, gas engineering was a physically demanding and risky job. Heavy, rigid cast iron pipes had to be fitted and sealed using basic tools and techniques. There were no formal regulations, and gas leaks were a common and very dangerous problem.
Regulation and Safety Enter the Picture
As gas usage grew, so did the need for safety. In the 20th century, professional standards and regulations were introduced to reduce accidents and improve public trust. The introduction of copper piping brought much-needed reliability and flexibility to gas pipe installations, but it was still labour intensive. Cutting, soldering, and joining copper required skill, time, and the right conditions, something that’s not always available on-site.
The role of the gas engineer started shifting from pure manual labour to technical expertise, and training became a crucial part of the job.
The Modern Era: Enter CSST and Flexible Gas Pipe
The introduction of CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) in the late 20th century marked a major turning point in the history of the gas engineer. Lighter, easier to install, and more flexible than copper or steel, CSST revolutionised gas pipe installations. Engineers could now complete jobs in a fraction of the time, with fewer fittings and less risk of leaks.
This is where Flexigas stepped in—not just to keep up with the evolution of the trade, but to push it even further
Flexigas has become a household name among gas engineers by offering a range of innovative products designed to make their jobs easier, safer, and faster. Here’s how Flexigas is modernising the trade and continuing the legacy built throughout the history of the gas engineer:
Flexigas DS
A must-have product for gas pipe in pipe installations, Flexigas DS is a pre-sleeved CSST solution that’s fully compliant with UK regulations. It can be installed in solid floors, walls, unventilated voids, and even buried in the ground.
FG Bond
The FG Bond is the UK’s first integrated earthing terminal in a gas fitting, removing the need for additional clamps or time-consuming bonding work. This innovation streamlines compliance with BS 951 and BS 7671.
FGLink
With the UK’s largest range of CSST fittings, Flexigas makes it easy to connect flexible gas pipe to existing copper setups with FG Link. Which helps the end installers reduce complexity without sacrificing performance.
FG Wrap
Forget struggling with silicone tape. FG Wrap provides a neater, faster seal around fittings, reducing the risk of gas leaks and giving a clean, professional finish.
As the industry continues to shift towards efficiency, sustainability, and safety, gas engineers will play a vital role in delivering next-gen energy solutions. With the ongoing rise of low-carbon heating systems, hydrogen-ready infrastructure, and tighter building regulations, the job of the gas engineer is becoming more complex but also more respected than ever.
Through products like Flexigas CSST, innovations in gas pipe installations, and ongoing training and support, companies like Flexigas are ensuring that gas engineers have the tools they need to meet these challenges head-on.
Honouring the Past, Building the Future
The history of the gas engineer is a story of hard work, innovation, and adaptability. From cast iron to copper to CSST, each era brought new challenges and new solutions. Today, Flexigas continues the tradition of improving the trade through cutting-edge technology and real-world practicality.
As the profession continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the gas engineer is, and always will be, essential. With Flexigas by their side, the future looks brighter than ever.
Are you ready to make the switch to Flexigas? Contact our team for more information.
Flexigas. Always Innovating.